There’s always room for rom-coms that don’t insult our intelligence.
The play “Materialists” may have a touch of theatrically over-the-top, but it delivers enough humor to justify its presence. Moreover, it demonstrates intelligence, wit, and sophistication in portraying the complexities of romantic relationships.
In simpler terms, Director Celine Song’s subsequent work after the excellent “Past Lives” is marred by a hurried section and a conclusion that seems overly reminiscent of the formula that the rest of the story had previously deconstructed.
In an exceptional performance, Dakota Johnson plays Lucy, a skilled matchmaker with a knack for identifying the essential criteria needed for love to flourish.
Looks. Height. Income. Fitness.
As a die-hard film enthusiast, I must confess that my romantic journey remains an ongoing production. My heart continues to yearn for John, the aspiring actor (played by Chris Evans) who just couldn’t earn enough to keep our love alive.
For the woman, it’s not an issue that Harry (Pedro Pascal) is incredibly wealthy, good-looking, charming, and extremely wealthy. Despite her belief that he’s beyond her reach, he’s smitten with her regardless.
Is this love, or will memories of John short-circuit this love connection?
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The subtle storyline in “Materialists” hides deeper, more profound themes. Director Celine Song (“Past Lives”), with a keen eye, delves into contemporary dating without oversimplification. (I must note that the title could potentially impact its success at the box office.)
In a humorous twist, Song’s writing satirizes men with unrealistic standards for their partners, preferring them to be excessively young and athletic. At the same time, it takes women to task for their lofty expectations. This blend of humor and critique keeps audiences laughing, but the love triangle in the story unfolds in a straightforward manner.
Memories of the bittersweet past between Lucy and John provide essential details, and Pascal delivers a flawless portrayal of the seemingly-perfect charming character.
Lucy dubs him a “unicorn.” He’s almost too perfect.
For those familiar with romantic comedies, they might guess how the story unfolds, but the trip is more captivating than anticipated. The script shows an unyielding knack for wisdom. Instead of glossing over the frustrating aspects of contemporary dating, Song delves deeper into its complexities.
Or the dangers.
Regrettably, the narrative unfolds within New York City, often known as The Big Apple. Although the themes are broadly applicable, the choice of this overused setting seems to lack originality. Swapping it with another bustling city might have introduced a fresh perspective.
In this new take, Johnson’s abilities are somewhat confined, however, she manages to expand beyond her usual boundaries in a manner necessary by the narrative. She is both fragile and confident, determined yet momentarily questioning her own competencies.
A provocative subplot highlights that duality, giving the film a hint of menace.
In a skillful performance, Evans and Pascal shine in their defining scenes. The actor portraying “The Last of Us” character seems to have binge-watched all episodes of “Sex and the City” and successfully embodied the Ideal Man, providing us with laughter.
Evans stands out for being intriguing, primarily due to the fact that his character shares human imperfections we can identify with. It’s hard not to watch him argue with his roommates.
Brutal.
A crucial series of events, essential for launching the third act, is rushed together clumsily, causing annoyance. Not even the captivating actors can salvage the situation, leading to a less satisfying film overall. The romantic ending also falls short of the charm and impact found in “When Harry Met Sally”, making it unlikely to be remembered as fondly in the present or future.
It’s still sturdy enough not to damage what came before it.
Relationships and dating can pose significant challenges. Sometimes they’re even more difficult than we’d like them to be. That’s why it’s refreshing to see movies that portray these complexities truthfully, without sugarcoating the difficulties. That’s why “Materialists,” despite its minor imperfections, is a breath of fresh air in the sea of rom-coms that seem to follow a formula, like those starring Kate Hudson.
Materialistic personalities” demonstrate that charismatic film actors, armed with humor and insight, can revitalize the romantic comedy genre once more.
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2025-06-12 20:03